Ansible for Junos OS

 Ansible for Junos OS enables automation of configuration, operations, and software management for Juniper devices without requiring agents on the devices. It uses the Junos XML API over NETCONF to communicate, allowing tasks to run locally on the Ansible control node. This makes it ideal for network engineers who want to automate repetitive tasks, enforce configuration standards, and manage large-scale deployments efficiently.

Key advantages include:

• Agentless architecture – no Ansible software needed on Junos devices.

• Idempotent modules – repeated runs yield consistent results.

• Simple YAML syntax – no deep Python knowledge required.

• Integration with Jinja2 templates – for dynamic configurations.

Example: Gathering Facts from a Junos Device

---

- name: Retrieve Junos device facts

hosts: junos_devices

connection: local

gather_facts: no

tasks:

- name: Collect device facts

junipernetworks.junos.junos_facts:

host: "{{ inventory_hostname }}"

user: "{{ ansible_user }}"

passwd: "{{ ansible_password }}"

register: device_info

- name: Display hostname

debug:

msg: "Device hostname is {{ device_info.ansible_facts.ansible_net_hostname }}"

How it works:

• Uses the junipernetworks.junos.junos_facts module from the Juniper Ansible collection.

• Runs locally on the control node, connecting to the device via NETCONF.

• Retrieves structured data such as hostname, serial number, and OS version.

Common Use Cases:

• Configuration management (junos_config) – push or rollback configs.

• Operational commands (junos_command, junos_rpc) – run CLI or RPC calls.

• Software upgrades (junos_package) – install or update Junos OS.

• Network provisioning – automate VLANs, routing protocols, ACLs, and more.